Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian, Roman pasta dish with cheese and black pepper. Traditionally it is prepared with Pecorino cheese, this version calls for Italian Parmesan instead. TL;DR We toured Rome in April, and as we were about to take part in the yearly Rome birthday celebrations, we were told that the pope had passed away. Disappointed, we ended up in a … [Read more...]
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Creamy Chicken Mushroom Skillet
Thinly sliced chicken breast pieces cook down with mushrooms in a creamy sauce that's full of flavor. You'll only need one skillet to bring this comforting dinner together. TL;DR A creamy chicken mushroom skillet meal. It's one of my simplest creations with chicken and mushrooms. It was mostly inspired by some of my other dishes, such as the chicken mushroom and white … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Carrots (Refrigerator)
A super quick recipe for homemade pickled carrots. You will need a bunch of fresh carrots and some pantry ingredients to make these crunchy, juicy, perfect pickled carrots. TL;DR We have been preparing a lot more water-based, refrigerator vegetable pickles at home because they are almost effortless to prepare. Pickles are a great way to save the harvest of the season … [Read more...]
Fall Baked Brie with Fruit
Fall-themed fruits are roasted in a baking dish with brie cheese and then served hot with honey or maple syrup. These individually baked dishes can be served as a brunch or dessert for a special occasion or to treat yourself. TL;DR I just had an epiphany in the grocery store the other day as they were bringing out the first fall harvest-period fruits. A few sweet … [Read more...]
Butternut Squash Casserole
A golden baked butternut squash casserole brings cozy flavor to the table with its creamy texture and rich taste. This guide walks you through making it at home so you can serve it for any occasion, big or small. TL;DR I love dump-and-bake vegetable casserole dishes, especially if it's a seasonal vegetable that I get to use. Butternut squash makes for a delicious … [Read more...]
Layered Apple Custard Pie
An apple pie like no other. This is the ultimate upgrade to your standard apple pie. Vanilla custard makes this layered apple pie extra irresistible, and the lattice crust topping is a real showstopper. TL;DR Paul had the grand idea to add vanilla custard to the filling of an apple pie. The concept sounded amazing to me, and I was up for the challenge! Our first … [Read more...]
Spiced Plum Chutney Recipe
Fresh plums are turned into a silky smooth, spiced chutney. I created this recipe with a various selection of food combinations in mind. You can use it with your favorite meats, cheeses, breads, and vegetables as a dip, spread, or topping. TL;DR During plum season, I like to prepare a plum jam or plum chutney to retain the juicy fruit goodness of the late summer and … [Read more...]
Garlic Greek Yogurt Sauce Recipe
A universal garlic-flavored Greek yogurt sauce to enjoy with your meats and vegetables. TL;DR My sister made this simple garlic Greek yogurt sauce at a cookout, which she adapted from a sour cream Thermomix recipe. I thought it was a great all-rounder sauce. I adapted it from her version, she also adds curry powder (more version ideas after the recipe card). Use it as … [Read more...]
Shredded Beef Salad
A refreshing salad with cooked and seasoned shredded beef and vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and sweet corn. This salad can be a satisfying lunch meal or a salad served at a BBQ or grill event. TL;DR Paul had the idea to add shredded beef to a salad, and I thought it sounded fantastic! We prepared some BBQ-flavored shredded beef at home, which is super … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Mango (Refrigerator)
A simple and effortless recipe to prepare pickled mangoes at home from scratch. You will need only a handful of pantry ingredients with your fresh mangoes. This recipe is a water-based mango pickle that requires no water-bath canning or special skills. TL;DR We have been busy preparing pickles all summer long, and a mango pickle couldn't be missing from the bucket … [Read more...]
Egg Salad Tomato Cheese Bologna Tramezzini
Soft Italian sandwiches, aka tramezzini, enhanced with an egg salad, tomato, cheese, bologna filling. Enjoy a lunch fit for an Italian! TL;DR If you ever get to travel across Italy, you will come across sandwiches known as tramezzini (plural tramezzini, singular tramezzino). These are prepared with crustless soft white Italian bread slices, and they come with all … [Read more...]
German Plum Sheet Cake
A simple plum sheet cake recipe that we prepare in the summer and fall months in Austria and Germany. It's a beginner-friendly and hassle-free cake commonly served during afternoon coffee time. TL;DR In Austria, Germany, and other neighboring regions, it is commonplace to serve a cake in the afternoon hours with coffee and whipped cream. This is when friends, … [Read more...]
Apricot Purée Recipe
A homemade apricot purée is very versatile. You can mix it into sweet and savory dishes. Here is how I make make a quick flavor-packed purée with fresh apricots. TL;DR I make a batch of this apricot puree when the fruits are in season or when we have a large harvest to process quickly. This particular recipe includes cinnamon and cardamom. These spices complement … [Read more...]
Butter Garlic Pan-Fried Calamari Rings (Squids)
Butter garlic pan-fried squid is a popular beach food in Goa. We love to prepare them at home whenever we get a bunch of fresh calamari. This recipe is great because it's simple, and you can serve the calamari the way it suits you. TL;DR Beach restaurants in Goa are renowned for their fresh seafood, and all our family and friends from Europe travel all the way to … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Red Onions (Refrigerator)
In just a few minutes, you can effortlessly prepare fresh red onion slices using this straightforward recipe. Water bath canning is not necessary for this vinegar-based, no-boil, refrigerator recipe. This will save you time, and the pickled onion can be consumed within a few days. TL;DR We have been loving homemade pickled vegetables lately, and the red onion pickle … [Read more...]
Lemon Balm Syrup Recipe
Lemon balm syrup is a fragrant and refreshing herbal infusion you can make at home with just a few ingredients. In this post you'll learn how to prepare and store it plus creative ways to use it in drinks, desserts, and more. TL;DR My mother has been making this infused lemon balm syrup, which she sells at the local farmer's market. It's a refreshing way to beat the … [Read more...]
Mini Tomato Bruschetta (Bruschettini)
These mini bruschette are packed with juicy tomatoes and Italian flavor in every crisp bite. Perfect for aperitivo or as a colorful starter at any gathering. They vanish fast, so be ready to make a second batch. TL;DR Tomato bruschetta is a wonderful Italian appetizer or snack bite. These bites are made of fresh tomatoes and crunchy toasted bread slices. Normally … [Read more...]
Spiced Asian Cabbage Bacon Skillet
A one-pan Asian-inspired spiced skillet meal with cabbage and bacon as the star ingredients. This is a speedy dinner meal idea that is perfect all year long. I prepare it when I'm late, in a hurry, or starving. TL;DR This bacon and cabbage dish was initially inspired by my fast chicken and cabbage stir fry. Minimal ingredients, but it's a flavorful dish that won't … [Read more...]
Jostaberry Jam Recipe
This jostaberry jam is made with 2 ingredients, and it's all natural, without the addition of artificial ingredients. You will love this jam if you have fresh-harvested jostaberries at home or if you have a frozen batch that needs to be used up. TL;DR The jostaberries are cooked down with sugar to a jam as per our French method at home. Jostaberries are tart and a … [Read more...]
Cauliflower Casserole (Dump & Bake)
A simple cauliflower casserole prepared with fresh cauliflower florets and a flavorful cheese, cream, and egg mix. This is a quick and easy dump and bake recipe which can either be a vegetarian stand-alone meal or a side dish for all celebrations. TL;DR I came up with a set of popular vegetable casserole recipes years ago, and the cauliflower version was one of … [Read more...]
French Meat Stuffed Peppers Recipe
We prepare these French meat stuffed peppers at home for the whole family. The meat is flavored with herbs, and we use smaller sweet mini bell peppers. These are then baked until just right and can be enjoyed with a multitude of side dishes. TL;DR I think this meat stuffed pepper dish counts as an easy meal idea. Please, don't feel overwhelmed by the ingredient … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Cucumber Slices (Refrigerator)
A simple recipe to prepare fresh pickled cucumber slices in ease within minutes. This is a vinegar-based, no boil, refrigerator recipe which doesn't require water bath canning. It will save you time and the cool cucumber slices can be enjoyed within days. TL;DR We came across the most delightful sliced jarred cucumbers on a grocery shopping trip in Budapest, Hungary, … [Read more...]
Small Batch Passion Fruit Jam Recipe
Passion Fruits are fantastic tropical fruits that deserve to be turned into a sweet and tangy jam. Here is how I prepare my passion fruit jam at home with our homegrown passion fruits. TL;DR Passion fruits are tart, pulpy, super fruity, fragrant, tropical fruits. It's also known as Maracuja in some languages. We grow them in our garden in Goa, we have 2 varieties, … [Read more...]
99 Garden to Table Recipes Using Fresh Seasonal Ingredients
We grow most of our vegetables, herbs, and fruits in our garden, and therefore we always enjoy a bountiful harvest in the warmer months of the year. A majority of my recipes are garden to table dishes and methods to harness or preserve our generous growth. To help you utilize everything you have grown in your garden, here are 99 recipes from garden to table. … [Read more...]
Dehydrated Cherries in the Dehydrator
Dehydrated cherries are a great way to preserve a fresh home-grown harvest or a bunch of cherries which you found on sale at the grocery store. I provide a comprehensive guide on how to dry cherries at home, including specific instructions, tips, and other valuable information. TL;DR Dehydrated cherries are basically dried fruits, that are left to dry over a period … [Read more...]
Skillet Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
A flavore-packed, easy to prepare skillet asparagus side dish, seasoned with garlic and parmesan. This recipe is beginner-friendly and ready within minutes. TL;DR A simple side dish to use fresh green spring asparagus. The asparagus are trimmed and briefly cooked in a pan to infuse with garlic. Grated parmesan is used to add a cheesy touch to this dish, and the … [Read more...]
Ground Chicken Nuggets with Herbs
Juicy and flavore-packed, homemade ground chicken nuggets, that are then golden fried in a skillet. I have simplified this recipe so that anybody can prepare these fun and tasty family favorite nuggets at home. TL;DR I prefer ground chicken nuggets for two reasons to nuggets made with chicken breasts or thighs. A major plus point is that you can season the chicken … [Read more...]
Passion Fruit Pineapple Tomato Iceberg Lettuce Salad
A tropical themed salad with sweet pineapple chunks, juicy tomatoes, crunchy iceberg salad and a tart passion fruit dressing. Enjoy it as a main lunch salad or as a side dish salad. Ingredient Notes Tip: If you can get tender coconut (the transparent jelly-like fresh coconut right after picking), add it to this salad. This salad recipe was initially made with tender … [Read more...]
Tuna Cucumber Sushi Roll
A Japanese tuna sushi roll, aka makizushi or maki sushi, that you can prepare at home with cooked and seasoned sushi rice. This is the only true Japanese sushi recipe that I'm sharing. All our other inside-out sushi rolls are Japanese inspired and technically very Western. TL;DR Tuna sushi is prepared with raw tuna (not the canned stuff!). Because it's raw fish, I … [Read more...]
Instant Mayonnaise Aioli Dip
A shortcut garlic aioli prepared with mayonnaise to save time and effort in the kitchen. This is my lazy aioli recipe version, and you will appreciate this recipe if you don't want to go through the steps to whip up a classic garlic aioli. TL;DR A classic aioli is prepared with olive oil and garlic, and the combo activates a smooth, creamy emulsion when the garlic is … [Read more...]
2 Ingredient Fry Sauce Recipe
The fry sauce is everyone's favorite at home because it takes only 2 ingredients, and it tastes great with french fries, wedges, chicken tenders and more. In Europe, this sauce is known as a Cocktail sauce (which is not related to the American cocktail sauce) or red white sauce. Ingredient Notes You will need two ingredients that every sauce lover keeps in the … [Read more...]
Ham and Cheese Panini
Ham and cheese, with tomato slices and onion, make this panini an irresistible brunch or lunch meal. Simple but a classic for all panini fans. TL;DR Panini (Panino, when it's just one) in Italy are prepared with soft Italian Ciabatta breads. They are filled and pressed grilled sandwiches that are served hot from the griddle. On the outside, panini are crunchy and on … [Read more...]
No-Oil Lemon Rice Egg Drop Soup
Citrus flavors make this wholesome rice egg drop soup lately a highlight in my kitchen. I created this soup with simplicity, sustainability, and ease of preparation in mind and therefore this soup doesn't contain any oil. TL;DR The broth is first infused with freshly grated lemon zest, squeezed lemon juice and seasoning. Eggs are then dropped in with the already … [Read more...]
15 Veal Recipes That Feel Straight Out of a Fine Dining Menu
Veal is a fine meat, which deserves more love. In this recipe collection, you'll find 15 veal recipes that highlight its tender texture and refined flavor in simple yet impressive ways. We love to cook and enjoy veal meat cuts in Europe. It's a delicate meat that I would consider gourmet because of the tenderness and price point. Therefore, I recommend preparing these … [Read more...]
Creamy Chicken with Bell Pepper, Mushroom Wine Sauce
A one-pan skillet meal with smaller chicken strips, sliced bell pepper, mushrooms in a creamy spiced wine sauce. The spices are mild and compliment the flavors. TL;DR This dish was inspired by central European meals, including the Swiss chicken Geschnetzeltes, the Hungarian chicken paprikash and the chicken version of an Austrian beef goulash. Warm spices, combined … [Read more...]
Grapefruit Infused Water
Water infused with grapefruit is a fruit flavored water that will help you to stay hydrated all day long. Flavor infused waters are also known as spa waters or detox waters. TL;DR I love eating grapefruits and when bottled grapefruit water was popularized in Europe, I couldn't stop drinking this instead of plain water. Flavored waters are super common in Europe and … [Read more...]
14 Asparagus Skillet Recipes for Quick Dinners and Easy Sides
Celebrate spring with the ongoing Asparagus season and make this fantastic produce the star of your plate tonight. Green asparagus is specifically easy to prepare in a skillet. Tender stalks just need minutes to get cooked, and they are very forgiving and beginner home cook friendly. I have added a few of our current favorite asparagus skillet recipes further below and, … [Read more...]
Italian Salad Pizza
A Salad Pizza has been trending in Europe and if you have visited Italy lately, you will have come across this pizza in a takeaway place. Here is how you can create this refreshing and aesthetically pleasing pizza at home! TL;DR Salad Pizza (or Pizza Salad) is a pizza crust baked and topped with fresh ingredients just before it's served. The pizza is enjoyed at … [Read more...]
10-Minute Garlic Spinach Skillet
A simple garlic spinach dish prepared in the skillet within minutes. This is a side dish that pairs well with most main course meals. The garlic and olive oil accentuate the beautiful green earthy spinach flavors, and it's one of our all-time favorite side dishes at home. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Prep fresh ingredients. Rinse and pat dry spinach, … [Read more...]
Pan-Fried Quail Eggs
Quail eggs make for a great substitute for regular chicken eggs, and they are some of our favorite eggs to fry in a pan, besides duck eggs. But they are not built the same way as chicken eggs in fact, the shell is harder and the size makes it a challenge. I share how to break and cook quail eggs in a pan. TL;DR Quail eggs are the eggs from several mid-sized quail … [Read more...]